Music Event Proving A Smash Hit For Carter

TRAINER Michael Carter admits he'll need to start exploring metropolitan options with budding star Music Event following the son of Lochinvar Marlow's breathtaking Shepparton win on Monday.

Covering the Shepparton 450 metres in an electrifying 24.92, Monday's win came just 72 hours on from the hugely talented sprinter putting on a clinic at Bendigo, recording 23.50 in a 10-length romp over the 425 metres.

"Monday night was his sixth win so it means his restricted grades are basically behind him now," offered Carter.

"The way the grading system is makes it hard with a dog like him now. You do your best to look after them while they're working through the grades but after another win he'll be thrown to the wolves with dogs that have won 15-20 races. It makes it hard – it's not right actually."

Music Event, a son of Lochinvar Marlow and Jazzy Lou, has now won six of his 12 career starts, each of those victories in thumping best of meeting times.

Fastest qualifier for June's Bendigo Gold Rush Maiden Final (425m) at Bendigo, Music Event was beaten just a neck in the final behind unbeaten sprinter Zipping Albert.

"His speed is his best attribute – when he leads he's nearly unbeatable," Carter said.

"He's definitely heading in the right direction and the hope now is he measures up to the better races later in the year but until you get them there you don't know.

"It's like an 18-year-old playing in the NRL, they can look great but when they get thrown in against the big boys and take a few knocks it can take them a while to find their feet.

“That's why I'm trying to place him as best I can and build his confidence. But that's going to be hard now."

Adding further merit to Monday's dazzling Shepparton win was that he comfortably defeated exciting prospect Rolling Stone, the son of Jagger Swagger's only two losses coming at the hands of Music Event.

"I thought we could beat him if we led," Carter said.

"It was the same at Shepparton when we beat him. But he's a very smart dog too. The start is all important when they are running that sort of time."

All things being equal, Carter will embark on a city campaign in coming weeks with his hugely exciting galloper.

"He looks like the 515 won't be a problem but you don't know until you test them," Carter said.

"Some get to the home corner and pack it in, some give you that bit more. He's giving us all the right indications but all I can do is have him fit and ready to go.

"You can't run for them – even though sometimes you'd like too!"